Dental Veneers

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to improve their appearance. They are used to correct a variety of cosmetic issues, including:   

  • Discoloration: Veneers can cover stains or discoloration that doesn't respond to teeth whitening treatments.
  • Chips or cracks: Veneers can repair minor chips or cracks in teeth.
  • Gapped teeth: Veneers can close gaps between teeth.
  • Misshapen or uneven teeth: Veneers can help to create a more uniform smile.

Are There Types of Dental Veneers?

There are two main types of dental veneers:

  • Composite veneers: These are made from a composite resin material 
  • Porcelain veneers: These are made from a thin layer of porcelain and are generally considered to be more durable and natural-looking than composite veneers.

Benefits of veneers

Veneers offer several benefits, including:

  • Improved appearance: Veneers can significantly enhance the appearance of your teeth leading to a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
  • Durability: Porcelain veneers are particularly durable and can last for many years with proper care.
  • Stain resistance: Porcelain veneers are resistant to stains, making them a great option for people who drink coffee, tea, or red wine.
  • Natural look: Veneers can be customized to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth.

What does the process of getting veneers entail?

Here's a step-by-Step Guide

  1. Consultation and Initial Assessment: Your dentist will evaluate your teeth and discuss your desired outcome.   
  2. Treatment Planning: A personalized treatment plan will be created based on your needs and goals.   
  3. Tooth Preparation: A small amount of enamel is removed from the front surface of your natural teeth to create space for the veneers.  Local anesthetic is administered to numb the area.   
  4. Impression Taking: A precise impression of your teeth is taken to create a custom veneer.   
  5. Veneer Fabrication: Our dental lab uses the impression to create custom-made veneers
  6. Temporary Veneers: Temporary veneers are placed to protect your teeth while the permanent veneers are being fabricated.   
  7. Final Veneer Placement: The permanent veneers are bonded to your teeth using a special dental cement.   At this time, the dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit and a natural-looking smile.
  8. How much do veneers cost?  Depending on the resin used, veneers range from $1000-2500 per tooth.

FAQs about dental veneers

Q. Are veneers permanent?

A. Veneers are not permanent. Depending on your lifestyle and health of your natural teeth, they can typically last for 10-15 years with proper care, but they may need to be replaced over time.

Q. Can you eat with veneers?

A. Yes, you can eat with veneers. However, it's important to avoid biting into hard objects, such as nuts or candy, as this can damage the veneers.

Q. What are the potential drawbacks of having dental veneers?

A. While veneers offer many benefits, there are also some potential downsides to consider, such as:

  • Tooth preparation: Preparing your teeth for veneers may involve removing a small amount of enamel from your teeth to create space for the veneers. 
  • Irreversibility: Once veneers are bonded to your teeth, they cannot be reversed.
  • Cost: Veneers can be a significant investment.

Q. Are veneers healthy for your teeth?

A. Like with any dental work as long as you take proper care, veneers can last for many years without damaging your natural teeth. However, neglecting oral hygiene or installation failure can lead to potential issues